Recreation Center Community Center Phase Capital Improvement Program - 8/29/2025 PDF Free Download
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Recreation Center Community Center Phase
Capital Improvement Program - 8/29/2025
Nominator Contact Information
Nominator's Name Brian Charlton
Organization (If Applicable) FNSB
Affected Department Parks and Recreation
Phone
Email
Full Address , , ,
Project Information
Name of Proposed Project Recreation Center Community Center Phase
Location of Proposed Project Google Map!
Project Scope/Description
Construct a community space to include an indoor playground, teen activity
center, senior activity center, child sitting, fitness training area, group exercise
studio, and community health and wellness suite. This project results from
combining multiple 2019 CIP proposals into one project, a community
recreation and wellness facility. The CIP funded scoping identified this as one
of five phases developed through focus groups, community surveys, open
houses, and steering committee guidance.
Safety and Code Compliance
Does the project improve Life/Safety and Code conditions? No
Please explain.
In your opinion, what is the current condition of the facility? Fair
Please explain. Mary Siah and Joy are attempting to meet this need for us right now and both
are in fair condition and not designed to modern standards.
Does the project improve accessibility compliance? Yes
Please explain.
Yes. This facility will improve parking and incorporate designs that allow for
users of all abilities to have better access to recreation and wellness. The
Mary Siah exercise facility, the Boroughs only one, is not accessible. The
Borough is quickly approaching 20,000 Seniors and we must have facilities to
support them.
Does the project replace an existing facility? Yes
Please identify the building it would replace and any other supporting
information. Joy and Mary Siah Recreation Center
Project Funding
Does this project have any funding secured or appropriated? No Funding
Please identify the source and amount of any funding that is already secured
in support of this project.
Please share any additional information that might be relevant here.
Are there grants, foundations, sponsorships, or other alternative sources of
funding available for this project? Yes
Please identify the potential funding sources, how the project is eligible for
such funds, any work done to commit such funds (i.e., application or proposal
submitted and/or approved), and any additionally relevant information.
Fundraising efforts start at the local Assembly level through the CIP process.
Appropriating design funds to finalize costs and building specifications helps
establish funding needs. Once designs are finalized, foundations, grantors,
and other partners are approached to contribute to construction funding. The
required match depends on the funder. A project of this size would require
significant local investment.
If applicable, does your organization plan on contributing any funds? Yes
If yes, please identify the amount and source of funds planned in contribution
to this project: CIP
Environmental
Will the project improve environmental impacts? No
Please explain.
Does the project improve air quality (PM2.5)? No
Please explain.
Public Use
Will the project improve the customer/public experience? Yes
Please explain.
All in one place recreation, health, and wellness is well supported by local
community health professionals as a way to improve health outcomes.
Improved equipment, multi-age facilities, and a teen center will be a boon to
the community.
Will the project improve facility capacity/availability? Yes
Please explain.
Ongoing Maintenance Cost
Will the project reduce utility expenses on a cost per square foot ($/SF)? No
Please explain.
Will the project reduce maintenance expenses on a cost per square foot
($/SF)? No
Please explain.
Will the project extend the life of an existing facility? No
Please explain.
Planning and Design
Does the project have complete designs? No
Please explain.
Have there been any project scope and/or engineering studies done? Yes
Please explain.
Conceptual designs and cost estimates were created by the Rec Center
Programming Study based on community input. There has been extensive
investment in producing conceptual designs by multiple architects and
consultants.
What type of attachments do you have? File Attachments
Hyperlinks
Budget Impact
How will the project impact the operation budget for the affected department? Increase the operating budget
Please explain.
Support
Please select all applicable forms of support this project has. Resolutions of Support, Letters of Support, General Public Support or Letters
From Residents
Please explain levels of support identified above and provide specific
examples.
In the NSRCS study 73% of residents feel a new rec center is Important or
Very Important. The 2019 CIP proposals that created the study had letters of
support from many individuals and organizations. Letters from 2019 attached.
Does this project meet any goals or objectives that are identified in any
Borough Plans (such as the Comprehensive Plan)? Yes
If yes, please identify which goals and objectives in specific plans that this
project meets.
The 2019 CIP combined several proposals including a Sports and Wellness
Center; an Aquatics Wellness Center; Aquatic/Recreational Center; and Big
Dipper Renovation and Expansion, see them here:
https://www.fnsb.gov/DocumentCenter. The 2020 plan combined these into
one facility that could offer the proposed amenities and replace Mary Siah and
Hamme Pools. The Plan recognized the benefits of community wellness,
centralizing facilities, and the aging condition of our pools. The first step of that
project included $400,000 for scoping and the construction phase ($100 mil)
was placed in the out years pending the scoping process. The scoping
process took place through the North Star Community Recreation Center
Facility Programming Study which identified community support for the facility,
proposed infrastructure, and estimated costs. Now that the plan is complete it
is time to move all or some of the project forward and begin design to support
our seniors, youth, families, and community.
Project Cost
What is the estimated project cost (USD)? $19,000,000
Please explain why this cost is reasonable and should be allocated to this
project.
Northern communities need indoor facilities to maintain physical and mental
health. Attracting families and a quality workforce depends on having things to
do and supporting their wellbeing. The CEDS calls out Insufficient indoor
space for play space, organized sports We have countless plans indicating the
need for indoor recreational opportunities for all ages. The military is investing
hundreds of millions in improving recreation on base after studying ways to
improve quality of life here.
Recreation Center Community Center Phase
Capital Improvement Program - 9/27/2023
Nominator Contact Information
Nominator's Name Brian Charlton
Organization (If Applicable) Fairbanks North Star Borough
Affected Department Parks and Recreation
Phone 907-459-1068
Email brian.charlton@fnsb.gov
Full Address PO Box 71267, Fairbanks, AK, 99701
Project Information
Name of Proposed Project Recreation Center Community Center Phase
Location of Proposed Project
Google Map!
Project Scope/Description
Construct a community space to include an indoor playground, teen activity
center, senior activity center, child sitting, fitness training area, group exercise
studio, and community health and wellness suite. This project results from
combining multiple 2019 CIP proposals into one project, a community
recreation and wellness facility. The CIP funded scoping identified this as one
of five phases developed through focus groups, community surveys, open
houses, and steering committee guidance.
Safety and Code Compliance
Does the project reduce or eliminate a health or safety risk? Yes
Please explain.
Through the Steering Committee Vision: Provide a multipurpose,
full-spectrum, health, wellness and recreation center to support programs that
strengthen the physical, mental, social, and intellectual wellbeing of all
individuals in our community
In your opinion, what is the current condition of the facility? Fair
Please explain. Mary Siah and Joy are attempting to meet this need for us right now and both
are in fair condition and not designed to modern standards.
Does the project improve accessibility compliance? Yes
Please explain.
Yes. This facility will improve parking and incorporate designs that allow for
users of all abilities to have better access to recreation and wellness. The
Mary Siah exercise facility, the Boroughs only one, is not accessible. The
Borough is quickly approaching 20,000 Seniors and we must have facilities to
support them.
Facility Condition
How old is the facility since its original construction? 41+ years
Does the project replace an existing facility? Yes
In your opinion, what is the current condition of the facility? Fair
If yes, please identify the building it would replace and any other supporting
information.
The fitness training area and group exercise area are components of the Mary
Siah Recreation Center that would be replaced with this phase of the rec
center.
Project Funding
What is the status of project funding? Unknown
Please identify the source and amount of any funding that is already secured
in support of this project.
Please share any additional information that might be relevant here.
The Rec Center proposals have not been funded pending the recently
completed, CIP funded scoping process. There are many entities in our
community that support youth and adult sports, recreation, and wellness that
may contribute to this project. The proposed site for the Rec Center by the
Dipper is an LWCF site and could be eligible for grant funding. Construction
funding may require federal and state appropriations and/or bonding to
supplement the CIP.
Are there grants, foundations, sponsorships, or other alternative sources of
funding available for this project? Yes
If yes, is there a match requirement? Yes
If a match is required, how much? Unknown
Please identify the potential funding sources, how the project is eligible for
such funds, any work done to commit such funds (i.e., application or proposal
submitted and/or approved), and any additionally relevant information.
Fundraising efforts start at the local Assembly level through the CIP process.
Appropriating design funds to finalize costs and building specifications helps
establish funding needs. Once designs are finalized, foundations, grantors,
and other partners are approached to contribute to construction funding. The
required match depends on the funder. A project of this size would require
significant local investment.
If applicable, does your organization plan on contributing any funds? Yes
If yes, please identify the amount and source of funds planned in contribution
of this project:
This project can be funded through the CIP process, local appropriations,
grant writing, lobbying legislators, and/or bonding. The Rec Center Study
asked about funding methods in the Survey (results attached and online, at
the bottom of page 50). The community indicated a variety of ways they did or
did not support funding the facility including, in order of preference:
sponsorships, public/private partnerships, bond referendums, increased
property taxes, and specific sales taxes. Of course, the preference was to use
outside funding, but there was willingness among the majority of survey
respondents to use local funds to support the Rec Center. Our Department
regularly applies for and receives grant funding and partnerships for a variety
of projects and programs. A project of this size will require additional
fundraising efforts from the department, the administration, legislators, and
community leaders.
Please attach and submit all relevant information related to Project Funding. See attachments!
Environmental
Will the project clean up contamination (such as lead, asbestos, fuel
contamination, etc.)? No
Please explain.
Does the project improve air quality? Yes
Please explain. Combining multiple recreational facilities in one location will decrease vehicle
drive times for users and staff.
Will the project reduce storm water runoff? No
Please explain.
Will the project improve groundwater quality? No
Please explain.
Will the project improve energy efficiency? Yes
Please explain.
It is anticipated that the modern mechanical equipment and improved building
envelopes will reduce energy use for our community facilities. Colocation of
facilities also allows for sharing of excess heating and cooling with adjacent
facilities.
Public Use
Will the project improve the customer experience? Yes
Please explain.
All in one place recreation, health, and wellness is well supported by local
community health professionals as a way to improve health outcomes.
Improved equipment, multi-age facilities, and a teen center will be a boon to
the community.
Is the project served by a fixed transit route? Yes
Please explain. Yes, the new facility will be adjacent to the Big Dipper with a bus stop directly
in front.
Will the project improve facility capacity? Yes
Please explain. Having a facility with improved exercise equipment, a modern exercise studio,
child sitting, and better accessibility will increase capacity.
Ongoing Maintenance Cost
Will the project reduce utility expenses on a cost per square foot ($/SF)? Yes
Please explain.
The Rec Center Facility Programming study (page 156) estimated annual
expenses of a Gymnasium and Community Center combined at $813,418 and
annual revenues at $2,033,897, for a positive return of $1,220,479. This
includes operations and maintenance costs. Revenue from the Gymnasium
and Community Center can help offset costs of other phases such as the pool,
ice rink, or turf.
Will the project reduce maintenance expenses on a cost per square foot
($/SF)? Yes
Please explain. See Above
Will the project extend the life of an existing facility? No
Please explain.
Planning and Design
Does the project have complete designs? No
Please explain.
Have there been any project scope and/or engineering studies done? Yes
Please explain.
Conceptual designs and cost estimates were created by the Rec Center
Programming Study based on community input. There has been extensive
investment in producing conceptual designs by multiple architects and
consultants.
What type of attachments do you have? Both
Hyperlinks
Facility Programming Study:
https://www.fnsb.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13181/FNSB-North-Star-Community-Recreation-Center---Facility-Programming-Study?bidId=
Final Open House Presentation:
https://youtu.be/8ioMaaWbhUg?si=dntVBUBg0cxaxytp
Attachments: See attachments!
Budget Impact
How will the project impact the operation budget for the affected department? Decrease the operating budget
Please explain.
The Rec Center Facility Programming study (page 156) estimated annual
expenses of a Gymnasium and Community Center combined at $813,418 and
annual revenues at $2,033,897, for a positive return of $1,220,479. This
includes operations and maintenance costs.
Population Reached
What type of population will be served by the proposed project? Regional areawide users
Please explain. One of the values from the Rec Center Study: Activity for Life: Supporting a
stronger, healthier community by providing opportunity and access for all ages
Support
Please select all applicable forms of support this project has. Resolutions of Support, Letters of Support, General Public Support or Letters
From Residents
Please explain levels of support identified above and provide specific
examples.
In the NSRCS study 73% of residents feel a new rec center is Important or
Very Important. The 2019 CIP proposals that created the study had letters of
support from many individuals and organizations. Letters from 2019 attached.
Does this project meet any goals or objectives that are identified in any
Borough Plans (such as the Comprehensive Plan)? Yes
If yes, please identify which goals and objectives in specific plans that this
project meets.
The 2019 CIP combined several proposals including a Sports and Wellness
Center; an Aquatics Wellness Center; Aquatic/Recreational Center; and Big
Dipper Renovation and Expansion, see them here:
https://www.fnsb.gov/DocumentCenter. The 2020 plan combined these into
one facility that could offer the proposed amenities and replace Mary Siah and
Hamme Pools. The Plan recognized the benefits of community wellness,
centralizing facilities, and the aging condition of our pools. The first step of that
project included $400,000 for scoping and the construction phase ($100 mil)
was placed in the out years pending the scoping process. The scoping
process took place through the North Star Community Recreation Center
Facility Programming Study which identified community support for the facility,
proposed infrastructure, and estimated costs. Now that the plan is complete it
is time to move all or some of the project forward and begin design to support
our seniors, youth, families, and community.
Please attach and submit all relevant information related to Project Support
(Letters of Support). See attachments!
Project Cost
What is the estimated project cost (USD)? 18600000
Please explain why this cost is reasonable and should be allocated to this
project.
Northern communities need indoor facilities to maintain physical and mental
health. Attracting families and a quality workforce depends on having things to
do and supporting their wellbeing. The CEDS calls out Insufficient indoor
space for play space, organized sports We have countless plans indicating the
need for indoor recreational opportunities for all ages. The military is investing
hundreds of millions in improving recreation on base after studying ways to
improve quality of life here.
North Star Community Recreation
Center - Facility Programming
November 23rd, 2022
1
Vision
Provide a multipurpose, full-spectrum, health, wellness and recreation center to support
programs that strengthen the physical, mental, social, and intellectual wellbeing of all
individuals in our community in a phased, scalable and sustainable development.
Mission
Improving access for all individuals or groups in the Fairbanks North Star Borough to health,
recreation, and wellness opportunities regardless of age, ability, or financial resources.
Improving personal health and community wellness through active partnership
Values
»Design for phased construction and scalable for future additions
»Sustainable: affordable, efficient, and fiscally responsible
»Welcoming for All: providing safe space that values equality, diversity, accessibility, and
inclusive for all - Olympians, novices, first timers, and everyone in between
»Activity for Life: Supporting a stronger, healthier community by providing opportunity
and access for all ages
»Flexible: Provide indoor/outdoor, multi-use space for all-season activities
»Respect: Cultivate and propagate
»Partnership: Collaborate with local business, not-for-profits and community
organizations
VISION, MISSION, & GOALS
2
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Purpose
e Fairbanks North Star Borough consists of a diverse and active population involved in numerous indoor and
outdoor sports and recreation activities throughout the year. e Borough intends to meet the needs of those in
our community by constructing a year-round, multi-use community recreation center that will expand off, and
provide upgrades to, the Big Dipper Ice Arena. is proposed recreation facility could include an additional ice
sheet to alleviate overcrowding at the existing facility and an aquatic center to relieve the Borough of some of its
aging facilities by absorbing some, if not all, of the program functions of Hamme Pool and Mary Siah Recreation
Center.
is facility may also include, but is not limited to, services such as: an indoor turf field for field sports; hardwood
courts for indoor sports; a running/walking track; calisthenic, cardio and weight training equipment; sauna,
steam and spa amenities; an indoor playground; multi-purpose space, community center and meeting rooms;
lease space for concessions, offices, medical/athletic related business and a childcare center to help offset facility
operation costs. Exterior amenities shall also be taken into consideration. ese amenities may include but are
not limited to a playground, skate park, basketball courts, a track and field, as well as ice rinks.
e Decision Making Process
e process for this study kicked off with meetings with the leadership committee which consisted of Borough
Public Works and Parks and Recreation staff. rough regular touch points with the Steering Committee, focus
group meetings, and public forums both virtual and in-person, the process was able to establish priority needs,
expectations and vision statements for recreational and community service amenities and other preferences.
In addition to the broader public outreach, the consultant team also engaged the feedback from specific
stakeholders representing a broad range of organizations and interests within the Borough. Over the course of
two days, there were 8 focus groups meetings held with a total attendance of 82 individuals. e feedback from
these groups ranged from specific activity and facility needs to broader community service goals.
Statistically Valid Survey
A statistically valid survey was administered by mail with an invitation to take the survey. ere were 404
respondents with a margin of probability of 4.9%. e survey polled questions relative to activity preferences,
needs and amenities that may appeal to residents. Aer the closing of the invitation survey, residents were
also encouraged to respond to the same survey document through an open link poll. While the questions were
identical, the data was kept separate, but included the feedback from an additional 2,028 respondents. e
findings of the survey helped guide the program prioritization and proposed phasing. In addition to questions
related to activity preferences, the survey also asked respondents about the importance of a community
recreation center with 50% of respondents answering very important and 23% as important, while 27%
respondents answered not important.
Market Analysis
e market analysis identified the area serving residents within a 30 and 60 minute travel distance to other
similar recreational and activity service providers in the Borough to understand gaps in service, competitive and
complementary facility offerings. e analysis also included demographic data to suggest growing populations
in young adults and baby boomers as compared to state and national averages. Several factors related to
community health and wellness were also identified, painting a picture of a community that could greatly benefit
from increased access to year-round, indoor access to healthy exercise and recreation activities.
Existing Facility Evaluation
e proposed location of this facility will be adjacent to, and on the current property occupied by the Big Dipper
Ice Arena and outdoor fields. e consultant team toured existing Borough facilities offering recreational
programs including the Big Dipper ice Arena, Mary Siah Recreation Center and the Hamme Indoor Pool. e
purpose of the evaluation was not a detailed technical assessment, but rather to study the available amenities
and existing programs to understand their general condition and how they would relate to proposed amenities in
a new community recreation center.
3
Program Development
Activity preferences and facility priorities were expressed through different means of outreach including public
meetings, focus group and stakeholder interviews, a statistically valid community survey, and feedback from the
Steering Committee and FNSB Parks and Recreation and FNSB Public Works staff. To better understand the
activity priorities of residents and the needs of various user groups within the community, it was necessary to
cross reference the feedback from the various forms of outreach to develop a clear comparison of the highest
priority activities. e team summarized the highest priority activity preferences of residents, and presented this
to the project planning team and in two meetings with the Steering Committee over the course of this phase, to
help guide program decisions (minutes of these meetings are contained in the Appendix of this report).
e Master Long-Range Program
Based on the ranking of priority activities and feedback from the Steering Committee and Parks and Recreation
staff, a consensus program was developed that incorporates these priority spaces. Based on the highest priority
activities the long range master-plan could include the following spaces:
Project Phases and Budget Estimates
e conceptual planning was used to develop high-Level budget estimates for the various phases of the project.
ese are conceptual in nature based on the planning level of the concepts and are for the purposes of long-
range budget planning for the proposed program. ese estimates would be confirmed through future more
detailed and comprehensive design efforts if the project moves beyond the program planning phase.
Phase Area (GSF) Budget
»Aquatic Center and Base Facility Support 43,309 $89,273,632
»Community Activity 16,364 $18,587,983
»Turf Fieldhouse 77,375 $63,535,725
»Multi Activity Gymnasium 22,510 $30,607,711
»Ice Rink 31,698 $68,808,268
It should be noted that the budget estimates include the total cost for construction as well as a 45% multiplier for
non-construction costs such as fees, equipment, development expenses, testing, reports, contingencies and other
costs necessary to deliver a complete project.
Facility Operations and Management Structure
Operational & Maintenance (O&M) Budget Projections are based on new components consisting of 5 phases
which include a Aquatic Phase, Community Activity Phase, Fieldhouse Phase, Gymnasium Phase, and an Ice
Phase were developed. e existing Big Dipper facility and the existing outdoor rinks and fields were not included
in the O&M Projections. e five year pro-forma indicates a potential cost recovery of 83% when all 5 phases
of the project are completed resulting in the Borough needing approximately a $908,051 annual subsidy. Staff,
community members, user group representatives provided positive feedback related to the recommended fees
and rental rates used for these projections.
»Entry Lobby
»Lounge / Cafe
»Staff Offices
»Indoor Recreational & erapy Pool
»Indoor Lap Pool w/ Diving
»Locker Rooms
»Senior Activity Center
»Child Sitting
»Indoor Playground
»Teen Activity Center
»Fitness Training Area
»Group Exercise Studio
»Community Wellness Suite
»Multi Activity Gymnasium
»Walking/Jogging Track
»Turf Fieldhouse
»Additional Ice Rink
38
Market Analysis |
5.0 Results of Community Needs
Assessment Survey | 33
5.0 Results of Community Needs Assessment Survey
The next section discusses the results of the Community Needs Assessment Survey. The
purpose of the survey was to gather community feedback on the Fairbanks North Star
Borough’s priorities for the New Community Recreation Center as well as communication and
financial choices. This survey research effort and subsequent analysis were designed to assist
the Fairbanks North Star Borough in developing a plan to reflect the community’s needs and
desires. Both a statistically valid (invitation survey) mailed postcard and open link online survey
were used to collect community input, and 2,432 total surveys were completed.
Figure 15: Community Needs Assessment Methodology
Most survey respondents reside in the City of Fairbanks, West Fairbanks, and North Fairbanks.
Results are similar across sample types. Invite refers to responses from those receiving a post
card and these results are statistically valid, open link refers to those respondents going online
that did not receive a post card and these results are not statistically valid, overall refers to the
results of both the invitation and open link surveys being combined.
Key findings from the survey include:
• Room to increase satisfaction with the Borough’s parks and recreation services
• Strong support from the community regarding the New Community Recreation Center
39
Market Analysis |
5.0 Results of Community Ne
eds
Assessment Survey | 34
• The most important activities to be included at the North Star Community Recreation
Center include:
o Recreational/leisure/open swim
o Walking/running
o Indoor play for children
Figure 16: Key Findings From the Needs Assessment Survey (1 of 2)
• Opportunity for the Borough to improve communication to the community
• Invite respondents are all willing to allocate more than $10 out of $100 on average to the
following:
o Competitive/lap swimming pool
o Walking/running track
o Indoor turf/synthetic field
o Warm water aquatic exercise/lesson pool, and leisure pool
• Open link respondents are willing to spend more on pickleball, indoor turf/synthetic field,
and an ice rink than invitation respondents
40
Market Analysis |
5.0 Results of Community Needs
Assessment Survey | 35
• Respondents prefer potential funding sources to come from sponsorships/naming rights
and private/public partnerships rather than taxes
Figure 17: Key Findings From the Needs Assessment Survey (2 of 2)
41
Market Analysis |
5.0 Results of Community Needs
Assessment Survey | 36
Figure 18: Location of Residency in Fairbanks North Star Borough
The average household size ranged from 2.7 to 3.4 people, and 48% of respondents have 4 or
more people in the household.
Figure 19: Number of People in Household
42
Market Analysis |
5.0 Results of Community Needs
Assessment Survey | 37
There is strong support from the community regarding the New Community Recreation Center.
Figure 20: Importance of New Community Recreation Center
There is agreement from the community regarding the important activities to be included in the
New Community Recreation Center:
• Recreation/leisure/open swim
• Walking/running
• Cardio/workout/weightlifting as identified also in the focus groups
• Indoor play for children
• Senior programs
• Swim lessons
43
Market Analysis |
5.0 Results of Community Needs
Assessment Survey | 38
Figure 21: Important Activities for the North Star Community Recreation Center Slide 1 of 2
Figure 22: Important Activities for the North Star Community Recreation Center Slide 2 of 2
The actual details of the “Other” comments are included in the appendices.
44
Market Analysis |
5.0 Results of Community Needs
Assessment Survey | 39
Figure 23: Top Three Most Important Activities
Regarding Community Recreation Center activities and priorities, amenities and facilities in the
wellness and seniors category are the most important to members of the invitation sample.
However, athletics, sports, and fitness amenities follow closely by a small margin. Business
facilities and amenities were the lowest rated in terms of importance
Figure 24: Important Amenities Overall
Top 3 Most Important Activities
The top three activities for the Invite sample are walking/running, recreational/leisure/open swim and
cardio/workout/weightlifting. The Open Link sample is more interested in indoor play for children, hockey/ice
skating, soccer/lacrosse/football and basketball/volleyball.
45
Market Analysis |
5.0 Results of Community Needs
Assessment Survey | 40
Figure 25: Important Amenities Aquatics
Figure 26: Important Amenities Athletics/Sports/Fitness
46
Market Analysis |
5.0 Results of Community Needs
Assessment Survey | 41
Figure 27: Important Amenities Education, Arts, and Culture
Figure 28: Important Amenities Wellness and Seniors
47
Market Analysis |
5.0 Results of Community Ne
eds
Assessment Survey | 42
Figure 29: Important Amenities Youth
Figure 30: Top Three Most Important Spaces/Amenities Slide 1 of 2
Top 3 Most Important Spaces/Amenities
Slide 1 of 2
48
Market Analysis |
5.0 Results of Community Needs
Assessment Survey | 43
Figure 31: Specific Amenities of Importance Open-Ended Comments
When asked how they would allocate $100, respondents differed by sample; invite respondents
are most interested in spending on a competitive/lap swimming pool and walking/running track,
while open link respondents are most interested in an indoor turf/synthetic field. An average of
$16.08 for the invite sample and $15.45 for the open link sample were allocated to a fill-in option
of “other.” Some of these top suggestions include:
• Climbing wall
• Sauna
• Skate park
• Steam room
Specific Amenities of Importance
Open-Ended Comments
Below is a Word Cloud of the top 100 most used words. A full list of responses is included in the appendix. Some popular
amenities include:
•Roller skating
•Climbing wall
•Indoor kids play area
•Swim classes
•Basketball
49
Market Analysis |
5.0 Results of Community Needs
Assessment Survey | 44
Figure 32: Allocation of $100 Slide 1 of 2
Figure 33: Allocation of $100 Slide 2 of 2
50
Market Analysis |
5.0 Results of Community Needs
Assessment Survey | 45
Figure 34: Allocation of Funds "Other" Suggestions
Respondents prefer potential funding sources to come from sponsorships/naming rights and
private/public partnerships rather than taxes.
Figure 35: Types of Funding Support
51
Market Analysis |
5.0 Results of Community Needs
Assessment Survey | 46
Respondents provided an additional 549 comments/suggestions. The following graphic is a
high-level summary.
Figure 36: Additional Comments/Suggestions
117
Community Activity Phase Plan
Community Activity Phase Program
11. Senior Activity Center
12. Teen Activity Center
13. Indoor Playground
14. Child Sitting
15. Fitness Workout Area
16. Group Exercise Studio
17. Wellness Suite
Upper Level Fitness and Wellness Plan
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
118
Community Activity Phase Site
RESPONSES
FROM
MARY
SIAH
PATRONS
WHEN
ASKED,
"WHAT WOULD
YOU
LIKE
TO
SEE
IN
A
NEW
AQUATIC
CENTER?"
• Diving boards,
water
slides, steam bath,
hotter
sauna.
•
More
family showers.
• Longer hours, dedicated swim laps always open, lounge/view area, separated showers.
•
Yes!
A new facility
that
would
better
accommodate programs
that
exist currently.
MSRC
lacks a
true
shallow end.
• Wider swim lanes, handicap
out
fitted
bars & pool
access.
• Better air circulation, windows, communication improved
for
guards on deck
to
office.
50
meter
pool, lazy river.
•
Workout
room, rental space.
• Steam room,
hotter
sauna.
•
Kids
locker rooms.
•
Keep
Mary Siah!
No
new aquatic center.
•
Water
slides, diving boards, steam bath,
hotter
sauna.
•
Keep
the
center
just
the
way
it
is.
•
Keep
a separate facility
if
possible.
• Locking lockers, 8 lane
SO
meter
pool.
•
Full
sized family changing/shower room, locking lockers ( pay
with
quarters).
•
You
can't
be
serious.
• For
the
dressing room-a spinner
unit
to
dry
out
suits.
• Hot
tub
for
all who
don't
like the
Jacuzz
i.
• The current offerings
at
Mary
Siah
meets many needs
of
the
community.
So
a pool,
hot
tub/Jacuzzi, sauna, showers, on deck shower, wheel chair drops.
•
SO
meter
competitive pool,
25
yard recreational pool, weight lifting area,
water
slides, nice
lobby, snack bar/deli, staff showers.
•
Lap
pool/aquacize pool. Warm pool
for
adults & kids, similar
to
Valdez.
•
More
family showers
for
parents
of
several young kids over 5 years old.
• Warm pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, exercise room,
water
slides,
for
kids, room
for
exercises, aquatic
exercises
for
adults on
the
floor
.
• A building
with
two
pools-one standard
size
& a pool the
size
currently
at
Mary
Siah.
The small
pool allows exercise & visiting. Perfect
for
those recovering from surgery. Money
is
going
to
be
tight
now
that
the
state
is
los
i
ng
BP
income,
so
just
replacing
the
small pool would
be
welcome.
Make
the
locker rooms larger.
• Sauna,
hot
tub
, more senior classes
with
warmer
water, more
th
i
ngs
for
seniors
to
do.
• Jacuzzi, lap-swim area
with
warmer
water
temperature.
• Mens shower equal
to
womens,
in private.
• A shallow area like at Hamme & Wescott
for
the
little
kids
to
play in.
Kids
that
little do
not
like
how
deep
Mary
Siah
is.
• Family changing room
so
that
moms can change older boys &
not
send
them
to
the
men's locker
room.
• Larger deck space in
case
of
an
emergency,
so
there
is
room
to
backboard someone
out
of
the
pool. Make pool friendly
for
kids/old people
to
get
out
of
without
having
to
use
stairs.
• There
is
nothing
wrong
with
Mary
Siah
. Just maintain it.
• We need bathing suit dryers-at least 2 please!
• The
YMCA'S
in
CA
have placed mirrors
to
sit
with
hair dryers atta.~hed
to
the
wall.
• I definitely
want
an
aquatic center. A steam room would
be
great since no
water
in sauna.
•
MSRC
currently doesn't have good space
to
perform rescues, more space would be great.
• Hot tub, more showers, swimsuit ringer.
•
Sauna
&
hot
tub.
A schedule
that
would
start
at
6:00
or
6:30.
Same
temp
pool
as
now.
Workout
room. Include aquacise
classes
as
you do now.
•
Keep
it
functioning
with
warm
water
& pleasant people. No change necessary except
what
is
necessary
to
have this happen. Would be nice
to
have
the
squares back in
the
pool
to
reduce the
sound.
•
Lap
swim laps,
at
least 2 open all day.
• Bigger jaccuzi with a
few
more
of
the
massage style jets. Only
two
of
these massage style jets
currently. These jets are absolutely healing in nature
for
muscle & any collagen based tissue
damage, from back injuries.
Please
incorporate these massage style jets into any new
construction.
•
Mat
room
with
weight machines & room
for
group lessons-yoga,
Tai
Chi,
QiGong, etc. (senior
friendly).
•
ADA,
child, senior friendly.
Keep
warm water. Lobby area
with
couches.
• Look
at
the Hood River, Oregon public pool,
they
are replacing
an
old facility
with
new one-
might give insight
into
planning & transition.
• Salt
water
or
therapy pools (mineral baths).
• Look
at
Missoula,
MT
public pool
for
a variety
of
community needs being
met
with
one facility.
• Not
the
moving river! Takes up
too
much room and
is
boring.
• A swimsuit spin-dryer would be amazing.
•
Please
spend
the
additional $650K
to
keep Mary
Siah
open &
at
the same location. The $6S0K
is
/
cheaper than
the
interest on
the
proposed new $40,000,000.00 center
former
FNSB
mayor
wanted.
• Swimsuit ringer, steam room
or
hot
Jacuzzi.
•
Love
it
now. Sauna,
hot
tub/Jacuzzi, pool, meeting rooms.
• Continuous and continuing operation of: warm pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, locker rooms, 9AM-9PM.
•
Kid
friendly area, shallow, benches
or
steps
for
sitting on in various depths. (Nikiski aquatic
center
is
set
up
really well
for
this.
• Walking track.
• Outdoor
Jacuzzi
in summer & covered in
winter
to
see
northern lights.
• We need
to
think
about
our
budget.
If
we could afford a
SUV,
everyone would have one -
use
Mary Siah.
• A pool
with
lots
of
slides, whirlpool, and a separate lap pool.
•
Fam
ily locker rooms.
• We need more sli
des
.
• I would like
to
see
improvements
to
the
facility and would like
it
to
ma
intain its wonderful family
and
community
presence.
•
Water
slide, salt
water
pool, war
mer
building, warmer pool.
• Pool, slides, wave pool,
hot
tub, diving board, good showers, family locker rooms, and climbing
bars.
• Better price even ADA!
More
showers w/seats and hand held showers.
• Deep and shallow end steps need improvement.
• One pool like
Mary
Siah
and one pool like Hamme.
• This
is
a great facility and a community asset. Needs
to
be
open, well-staffed and well-
maintained. Thanks
"Mary
Siah
People."
• Mary
Siah
is vit
al
to
my continued
improvement/movement
after
a stroke. Thank God
for
aquacise and senior fitness.
• Separate changi
ng
rooms
for
families, men, women. This includes a lockable room
with
to
ilet &
shower. Also, a bench
with
mirrors on
the
wall
with
hairdryers attached
to
the
wall. Also
separate changing room stalls
with
curtai
ns.
•
Love
this facility .
..
all
of
it. Locker room functional
yet
provides privacy enough. Floor drainage
is
excellent.
Love
pool
size
and functionality. Hot
tub
and sauna are super and a main reason I
come, plus the
warmer
pool temperature. Bigger would
not
be
better
.
• They need
to
do
it
in such a way
as
not
to
have long closures. There
is
really no adequate
alternative available
for
this facility. Now
with
people leaving because
of
budget cuts,
it
's even
more
important
to
maintain this facili
ty
. The military have
access
to
their
own pool & rec
ce
nt
er.
Sounds wonderful,
but
with
the
large budget cuts & a political atmosphere
that
does
not
want
to
improve
th
is state-this place becomes even more vital.
October
4,
2019
North
Star Council on Aging/Fairbanks Senior Center
Meals on Wheels
1424
Moore
Street. Fairbanks, Alaska 99701
Phone: 907-452-1735 /
Fax:
451-9974
nscoa.manager@alaska.net
Fairbanks
North
Star Borough
Capital
Improvement
Program
Ref:
Mary
Siah
Recreation Center
To
Capital
Improvement
Program Selection Board:
The State
of
Alaska
has
the
fastest growing senior population
of
all
the
states, and
the
Fairbanks
North
Star Borough
is
no different.
As
a community,
we
need
to
begin planning
for
the
future. Due
to
our
aging infrastructure, some
of
the
borough facilities
will
need replacing.
The
Mary
Siah
Recreational Center
{MSRC)
is
one such facility. This facility
is
loved and has served
the
seniors,
as
well
as
the
community
at
large,
for
many
years. The aging population
uses
this facility
to
continue physical activity,
therapy
for
those recovering
from
knee and hip replacements, and
to
recover
from
heart
attacks and strokes.
Another
important
factor
is
the
mental and social well-being
that
MSRC
provides.
North
Star Council on Aging,
aka
Fairbanks Senior Center, supports
the
Capital
Improvement
Project proposed by
the
Friends
of
Mary
Siah. Replacing
the
existing facility,
with
one
of
similar nature, continues
to
serve
the
seniors, and
our
community
for
many years
to
come.
Sincerely,
~~
~
Executive Director
1 October 2019
To
Whom It May Concern:
I
am
writing in
support
of
the
FNSB
Capitol project to build a replacement for
the
Mary Siah Recreational Center. I have been
part
of
the
Fairbanks community for
over 30 years,
and
have utilized
the
current
rec
center
for much
of
that
time. We
know
the
aging
center
is rapidly reaching a point
where
replacement is a
more
viable option
that
continuing to
repair
the
existing facility.
The
new
center
is needed to
meet
the
needs
of
many
underserved
in
our
community-
elderly, low income, and
at
risk youth. Fairbanks senior population is
growing,
and
the recreation
center
provides a way to help
support
both physical and
mental health -pay attention to
your
health now
or
pay for illness later. Mary Siah's
current
location makes it accessible for families
and
youth in the neighborhood to
have a safe
and
productive
way
to spend quality time. However, it is utilized by
many outside
of
the
neighborhood so it is truly a community facility- we've
commuted from Chena Ridge & have many friends from Fox to Ester who have also
benefited from Mary Siah facility. Finally,
the
swimming lessons for all ages
that
have been provided
at
Mary Siah over
the
decades have saved lives.
Both
of
my sons took lessons
at
Mary Siah from
the
time they
were
three
years old. They
are
now
20
and
23,
and
still live in Fairbanks -
one
with a six month
old
daughter
of
his own who will hopefully
start
lessons soon. Two years ago, the
youngest son
went
overboard on
the
Yukon River. Even though he had a life
vest
on,
we
believe it
was
100%
due to
the
swimming lessons
that
Keegan remained calm
and
was
able to survive
the
very cold and violent river.
Yes
,
there
are
other
borough recreational facilities,
but
Mary Siah has been
unique in serving
the
needs
of
our
community,
and
it is in
the
Borough's
best
interest
to replace this facility
rather
than
simply abandon it and
the
community
patrons. Therefore, I
and
my family strongly
support
the
funding and construction
of
a new recreational facility. Thank you for
your
time and consideration.
Carolyn Pennington-Chapin
PO
Box
84049
Fairbanks,
AK
99708
(907)590-1700
redfox@mosquitonet.com
10/5/2019
To
Whom
it
may concern,
I would like
to
she
the experiences
that
I have had at Mary
Siah.
I have been going
to
this pool since I
have move
to
Alaska. It
is
the first place I felt I could
be
myself and
not
be
judged.
The
people the staff
as
well
as
peers have made
me
to
feel welcomed.
I
am
a full-sized person and have knee issues and climbing the regular pool ladder
is
difficult
for
me.
The
low-rise stairs make
it
somewhat easier but the walking
or
roll
In
entrance would
be
a great addition
to
Mary
Siah.
It would help people
that
have mobility
issues
to
feel better about controlling things
as
the
need
to
get put into the chair
to
get into the pool would
be
eliminated. Sometimes
the
sheer need
to
ask
for
help
to
get
in
is
paralyzing.
I work
for
a non
profit
locally and meet my weight
loss
support group there
to
take part
of
water
aerobics.
Some
of
us
have mobility problems and
it
might increase our numbers
if
they had the walk-in
pool entrance.
Thank you
for
allowing
me
to
share
with
you,
I
Public Comments regarding an Indoor Playground received in the Community
Engagement Survey, Spring 2019
1. A multi use indoor facility that has a running track, turf football field/ soccer field, and play area
for smaller kids and eating/ picnic space
2. An indoor facility that has a playground, track, workout equipment, conference rooms, and a big
indoor field! Let’s have a place where these littles can run amuck in the winter!
3. An indoor play area similar to the one at Eielson would be AMAZING during the winter!!! If it
included a play area for children, some sports courts, and a workout area that would be ideal!
4. "An indoor playground, new pool.
5. An indoor playground. I work with a teen with disabilities and if he could swing all year it would
be priceless. Also other disabled children and all children a no McDonalds playground
6. and indoor playground would be fantastic!
7. Getting one really awesome community-built, accessible playground for our young kids would be
fantastic too. More trails to connect parks and playgrounds, to create more loops between
facilities would help families plan longer outings and spend the whole day just traveling
between parks!
8. Big indoor playground. More turf fields. Update playgrounds.
9. Big picture, Fairbanks needs an indoor facility for multiple use by tennis, pickleball, soccer,
basketball and volleyball. A separate facility, just need a bathroom and drinking faucet, no need
for showers. Pie in the sky would be an all inclusive facility with all amenties.
10. Definitely need an indoor space playground track for winter and rainy day use!!!
11. Definitely need more to do indoors for kiddos during the winter... Roller skating would be
amazing!!!
12. Fairbanks need an indoor reck center it is sad that McDonald’s is the only place for indoor
recreation in this town.
13. Fairbanks needs an indoor track, playground where parents can workout while their kids play
(like the MAC center in eagle river or Arctic Oasis on JBER). Can we use the old Lamonts or
Kmart buildings?
14. Fairbanks needs an indoor turf, track, playgroup
15. I would love for Fairbanks to have an indoor play area for children. The winters are long and it
would be nice to have a place for kids to go run and play.
16. "I would love to have a playground indoors that could be used in the winter- just enough
warmth to be snow free and offer the ability to move freely and burn energy for children.
17. I would support an indoor play area and dedicated walking track combined with a new aquatics
center
18. I think indoor activities are especially important over the long winter. I appreciate the
opportunity to walk indoors at the Dipper when it is too cold and slippery outside. "
19. In indoor recreational facility is needed. Something with an indoor track, indoor basketball court,
and indoor roller hockey skating area. Something that's affordable for families and community
leagues/teams to meet out and rent out for a reasonable price. A place that's safe and promotes
family and community togetherness during our long winter months.
20. "Indoor Park! Winter is long, and the trampoline park is expensive!
21. indoor play area and dedicated walking track combined with a new aquatics center
22. Indoor playground
23. Indoor playground for ages 0-16
24. Indoor playground, roller skate rink
25. Indoor playgrounds
26. It would be nice if there was a big indoor playground.
27. Like the facilities in Juneau. Also rooms to rent. Swimming pools with open swim, laps, and a
toddler area. Workout room with workout equipment
28. More indoor facilities, indoor playgrounds and maybe even a skating rink to help burn energy
during winter.
29. More kid friendly indoor spaces. Indoor soccer field!
30. The thing we need desperately is an indoor facility with a full playground! And an area for kids to
ride bicycles (like a bicycle track) and just a big space to run! That is what is missing and we have
needed it for so so long!
31. Also an indoor playground for the young kids in winter!!"
32. Would love an indoor park with a track and field, playground, workout equipment and a little
food court.
33. Would love to see a low cost indoor playground and a roller rink
34. More to do inside during winter months other then swimmimg.... A indoor playground, roller
skating, basketball....
35. Newer facilities with more modern offerings. Lets invest in the future of our community!!
36. Not enough options. We need more indoor sport areas for the winter that are accessible to local
teams, families, and individuals!
UAF
School
of
Management
Business Analytics class
Community Survey
Are moderately
or
extremely dissatisfied with
the
sports/recreation facilities in Fairbanks
45°/o
Identified these characteristics
as
very or
extremely
important
for a wellness facility.
These
can
easily
be
incorporated
in
the
5
Phases
of
The
Big
Dipper Sports &
Wellness
Center proposal
Top
Spaces
Identified
These
can
easily
be
incorporated
in
the
5
Phases
of
The
Big
Dipper Sports &
Wellness
Center proposal
Ice
Ri
Outdoor walking trails
Mental health services
After-school programs
Ease
of
parking
Sports medicine
Senior-specific programs
Holistic centered programs
&
Indoor
Turf
Fields
Multi-Court
Gymnasium
*802 people were surveyed. Data is
not
representative
of
the
ent
i
re
population
. Contact Dr. Peggy Keipe
r,
UA
F Director, Sport and Recreation
Bus
iness Program
Assistant Professor, Sport and Recreati
on
Business Program
at
mkeiper@alaska.
edu
for
more i
nformation
on
the
survey.
Q23-1
. . *
SOM
UAF
SCHOOL
OF
MANAGEMENT
October
6,
2019
Dear FNSB CIP Sele tion Committ
AACSB
ACCREDITED
I am writing today in support
of
the Big Dipper Community Health and Wellness Addition proposal I
do o as an individual who has often planned family vacation around the e types
of
facilities
in
other
citie such as the Canada Game Center at Whiteh rse Canada· l
al
o do o as the Dean
of
the School
of
Management at the University
of
AJaska Fairbanks in the capacity
of
which I oversee a number
of
growing programs that focus on the health and welfare
of
interior Ala ka.
A a father
of
three and youth ports coach the lack
of
a comprehen ive rnulti-purpo e facility that
focuses on recreational opportunities to improve fitness health and welfare has been evident to me and
the many farnilie I have gotten to know. While my pa sion i with youth through college-age tudent J
see many opportunitie for kids adults and enior
to
pla together and
to
learn about and build a
support group around wellness. This would be an incredible opportunity to improve both the physical
and mental health
of
our citizens.
As the Dean
of
SOM I can also ee many opportunities for college student participation in such a
center. We have a new and growing Sport and Recreation Bu iness program and an active student ha e
that i looking for projects and intern hip opportunities. A
an
example, tudent in
an
events
management clas in the Bachelor
of
Sport and Recreation Bu iness organized and
ho
ted an eSport
summit at UAF in March 2019; the event drew in excess
of
300 participants, including many middle and
high-school students. This spring the same cla will be planning and hosting an outdoors summit at
UAF. We
al
o have an active Virtual Reality (VR) program through which we have facilitated summer-
long programs in Tok and Fort Yukon- in the winter rural youth ride VR stationary bikes and we
monitor biomedical changes
to
gauge the effectiveness
of
VR bikes to fight obesity and other health
i ues. The School
of
Management and other AF program such a athletic would b very intere ted
in a mutually beneficial community wellne partnership.
I have been in Fairbanks and worked for UAF, for 30 years. I cannot emphasize enough how important
an infrastructure in e trnent to upport youth, adult and enior wellne would be· it would modernize
our city to make
it
more attractive for tourist and as a place to which families could move. I believe
such a facility and program would al o lead to attractive inve tment opportunitie
in
Fairbank .
Thank you for your con ideration.
Sincerely,
/
,,
Mark Herrmann Dean
of
SOM
UNIVERSITY
OF
AL
SKA
FAIRBANKS
Q24-1
~
D Tl H
LTH
P
RT
ER
~ -
TANANA
VALLEY
CLINIC
October 3, 2019
Dear
FNSB
CIP
Selection Committee,
(
907
) 459-3500 Phone
(
907
1
459-3583
Fax
www
.foundationh
ea
~h
.org
1001 Noble Street
Fa
irbanks,
AK
99701
One
of
the biggest challenges facing the
Fa
irbanks Northstar Borough area
is
how
best to address the
multiple behavioral health and substance abuse problems faced
by
members
of
our
community. All too
often I
see
the long-term effects
of
those problems when they lead
to
chronic illness: lung cancer and
emphysema, heart attacks and congestive failure, diabetes, cirrhosis, dementia, suicide. Many
of
these
problems could
be
avoided,
or
at
least delayed,
with
attention to healthier lifestyle choices at all stages
of
life.
I am writing to support t
he
concept
of
developing the proposed addition
to
the
Big
Dipper facility into a
multiuse activity center designed to encourage and facilitate healthy activities for all generations.
Modeled after an organization like the
YMCA
, this center could coordinate, organize, and even sponsor
leagues, teams, events, and workshops whose primary goal would
be
to create and encourage physical
activity
for
all ages. A new pool and basketball court at the
Big
Dipper could
be
so
much more than just
a new facility
with
the right programmatic planning. While I have always admired the strong
sense
of
c
ommunity
and volunteerism
that
exists in Fairbanks,
such
activity programming
won't
happen on its
own
.
To
be
successful in reduci
ng
the burden
of
chronic illness, such a center will require intentional
planning and fundi
ng
. I urge you to include a center like this in your future
as
you envision the addition
to
the
Big
Dipper.
Sincerely,
~4x.
...
,
__
Michael
Swenson,
MO,
PhD,
FACP
Ch
i
ef
Medical Officer
Tanana Valley Clinic
1001 Noble
St.
, Fairbanks,
AK
99701
Offic
e:
internal 5-2387, external 907.459.3558
Q24-2
October 5, 2019
Fairbanks North Star Borough
Capital Improvement Program
907 Terminal Street
Fairbanks,
AK
99701
Dear
FNSB
CIP
Selection Committee:
For more than
thirty
years we have witnessed many examples
of
how
the citizens
of
the
Fairbanks North Star Borough support
their
community.
We
also believe many communities
throughout
the
United States would be proud
to
say they've achieved even a fraction
of
our
many community-wide successes. We're certainly fortunate
to
have a community culture
of
converting desirable
"what
ifsH
into
an
organized plan
that
leads
to
specific actions
being
taken
to
achieve
the
desired outcomes.
Over the years our community
has
long sought, from a variety diverse perspectives and
constituencies,
to
support a community supported and sustainable "whole-person"
approach
to
wellness. Ongoing organizational initiatives and efforts such
as
Healthy
Fairbanks 2020, Foundation Health Partners' Community Wellness program, The Wellness
Coalition, along
with
UAF
and many
other
local groups have pondered, backed
or
actively
pursued
the
need
to
provide greater community emphasis
on
whole-person wellness.
Certainly, these efforts have created a
better
understanding
of
the
need
for
activities and
events
that
speak
to
all facets
of
wellness; recognizing,
of
course, the mind-body-spirit
connection
is
critic-al
to
overall health.
Now
that
those connections have been established, accepted and are
truly
appreciated It's
become abundantly clear
that
support
for
the
pursuit
of
a full-spectrum wellness plan must
come from
the
community at-large;
as
no one person
or
single entity
can
stand alone and
be successful in this pursuit.
To
that
end,
we
believe the solution
is
fully dependent upon
developing a broad network
of
support
In
order
to
spearhead a meaningful capital project.
The
four
-season multi-use facility
such
as
the
one proposed within this nomination packet
is
a perfect example.
By
design this proposal
has
been created
to
attain and receive support
from
a broad range
of
groups and interests in
an
effort
to
launch the project
but
more
importantly -
to
sustain operations over
the
long-term.
In particular, this nomination's focus
is
centered on adding additional structures
to
the
Big
Dipper facility and utilizing much
of
its existing infrastructure. All
for
the purpose
of
having
Continued next page
Q24-3
October 5, 2019
the facility used by a wide variety
of
local non-profit and for
profit
entit
i
es
. From a
sustainability standpoint we believe this concept
is
a huge step in the right direction. And
like the
Big
Dipper itself this new facility
is
located in the heart
of
Fairbanks adjacent
to
health-centered
and
sporting facilities. The facility will also have the additional benefit
of
revitalizing the Big Dipper itself,
e><pand
its reach and will
be
a measured *right-sized" step
the
community needs
to
head in order
to
provide. the infrastructure
and
support necessary
to
fulfil
the
most desirable path
to
meeting the full-spectrum
of
wellness goals and
objectives.
The nomination being considered here itself comes from a communi
ty
-wi
de
and well
supported non-profit whose mission
is
perfectly aligned with supporti
ng
a variety
of
community wellness efforts. The primary challenge
for
the community
to
this date
has
been
for
the organizations mentioned above -along
with
Individual citizens -
to
rally around a
single and unifying purpose. The Big Dipper Improvement and expansion project
Is
that
community-wide unifying purpose.
As
with any successful endeavor the path taken first requires the unification
of
disparate
constituencies.
Since
the
initial outreach
has
already been Initiated much
of
the necessary
buy-in and support will
be
known long before any significant commitments are made
or
dollars are spent. Thus, potential risks will be identified and managed early in the process.
From start
to
finish this effort
is
designed
to
be
a collaborative "
jo
i
nt
venture" between the
public/private sector (for-profit/non-profit entitles) and Individuals.
We thank
the
committee for allowing
us
the
time
and consideration.
Respectfully,
_%'~&~
Greg and
Sue
Johnson
409 Noyes Street
Fairbanks,
AK
99701
2
Q24-4
David Mongold
Patty Mongold
3100 Kiska Drive
Fa
irbanks
AK
99709
907-474-0076
October 2, 2019
To: Fairbanks North
Star
Borough
From: David Mongold & Patty Mongold
RE: Multi-SportMlellness Facility
To Whom It May Concern:
We
are
wr
iting you to express our support for a multi-use facility to house all facets of sporting
events as
we
ll as other wellness initiatives.
We
have been on the periphery of this project since the inception and believe that the time has
come for Fairbanks to have a flagship fac
il
ity such as this.
If
done ri
ght
the building could be
self-sustaining and provide a hi
gher
level qua
li
ty of life for all users, from every demographic of
our community. The broad appeal
of
th
e various sporti
ng
and wellness offerings wi
ll
make this
a true community asset.
The proposed location is easily thought of as centrally located for the convenience of a
ll.
We believe this fulfills the ideals of the CIP and we are hopeful the borough will be in support of
moving this project along.
Since
r.el
y
,.,
Q24-5
September 26, 2019
Dear
FNSB
CIP
Selection Committee:
I am writing
to
request consideration
of
a multipurpose facility. World
class
communities find ways
that
encourage its citizens
to
be
active both in body and mind. I believe
that
Interior Alaska could support
and benefit
from
a true multipurpose facility. Hockey, multiuse courts
for
basketball, volleyball,
pickleball, floorball, tennis etc; swimming, climbing, strength and fitness equipment, yoga, meditation,
and small local businesses like
PT,
massage, dietary, and other wellness associated business'. Coffee,
healthy food, child care, classrooms/use areas
for
a variety
of
educational
or
group activities. I believe
the benefit
to
the health and wellness
of
our community, across the
age
spectrum
Is
without
question.
The details
of
course would take some
further
discussion. How
big?
What
is
the exact user mix?
Funding? Location?
The
Big
Dipper,
with
its current
use,
proximity
to
soccer fields/the downtown/Raven Landing, and the
health care community, seems like the perfect location
to
consider developing such
an
idea. I hope you
will
take
the
time
to
consider setting the groundwork for developing this much needed resource
for
Interior
Alaska
.
Please
let me know
if
I
can
provide any further information.
Sine
:~
4
Mark~o~
(
Emergency Physician
907 4606667
marksimon3@mac.com
Q24-6
SUPPORT
FOR
BIG
DIPPER
PARTNERSHIP
-COMMUNITY
HEALTH
&
WELLNESS
ADDITION
September 25, 2019
Dear
FNSB
CIP
Selectton Commi ee:
I am
writing
today in support
of
the
Big Dipper Community Health & Wellness Addition proposal and
to
as
you
to
think
beyond traditional proJects like pools nd ice rinks nd ven multi-sport arenas
with
our
precious capital
investment resources. Our community investment can be economi lly sound, and bene ,t more citizens,
if
we
pursue a
true
all-season multi-use facility.
• Multi-purpose diversity yield b r finances: Community ac
ss
for
r rea
ion
, sport, wellness nd
health should remain
at
the center
of
the
mission,
but
by broadening
our
vision
to
include
leasabJe
space to both
for
profit
and no -for-
profit
partners,
we
can dramatically improve
the
economics
of
our
community fac1htie .
If
that
vision includes broader ideas such
as
health and wellness education and
services, and rentable
sp
ce
for
m e ings,
cl
sses,
and functions,
we
can create a sustainable model.
• Critical
Mass
: The inclusion
of
m xed p
rtner
gencies, tenan
s,
nd
u
er
oups
within
the
space helps
create a critical mass
of
users which
will
in
turn
generate more interest by v ndors and
other
parties.
• Location:
Sy
leveraging proximity
with
some
of
the
great eiust ng pubhc and private facilities in
Fairbanks,
we
create
more
synergy and total value for
the
capital
inv
men .
lfwe
build adjacent
to
what
w alread have in
the
community,
we
further
advance he critical mass concept above related
to
health and wellness.
o We currently have a growing health/wellness district in
the
center
of
our
community.
If
this
project can be located pro imal
to
facilities such
as
the
8lg Dipper,
Hez
Ray,
Chief Andrew Isaac
Heal h Center, Fairbanks Memorial Hosp· al, and m ny
other
heal
services
,t
will
h ve
bett
r participation
by
potential p rtners and u
health/wellness district concept.
and wellness re ated
and add
to
the
My
family and I have been in Fairban s since 1969, and
as
a
20
-year v eran
of
health car leaders ip in
our
community, and
as
an accountant and fiscal conservative, I have come
to
believe in
then
cessity
of
investing m
the
social and physical infrastructure relative
to
th
future
he Ith o
our
community.
Alas
a
is
still a young and
underdeveloped State; nd while
we
find ourselves in a period
of
politi I and budgetary
cr1s1s
and conflict,
we
need
to
take
the
long
view
on infrastructure inv stmen
to
support
future
growth
and advancement
of
our
community. I believe
that
the
proposed model
of
a
tru
mult1-u e facility ma,umizes
he
soet
I,
health and
wellness, and financial benefit
of
our
re ourc s. Than you
for
your consideration.
4Llyn;h
327
Le
Ann
Dr
Fairbanks,
AK
99701
Jim.1ynch907@gmail.com
Q24-7
CO
N
TRACTORS
LICENS
E
#CONE
!
16
October 8, 2019
CIP
Se
lection Committee
Fairbanks North Star Borough
907 Terminal Street
Fairbanks, AK
99701
Dear FNSB CIP Selection Committee:
Since its founding decades ago, Fairbanks has benefited from the resourcefulness
of
forward-thinki
ng
individuals, businesses and organizations who care deeply about
year~round quality
of
life in
ou
r community. Partnering has been a key factor
in
developing past solutions which have brought about infrastructure which supports
community development, community prosperity and a wholistic approach to the
opportunities and services Fairbanks residents should have to achieve the quality
of
life we all value very much.
We
are writing
in
support
of
the
Big
Dipper Community
Health & Wellness Addition proposal
and
to
ask you to expand beyond more
traditional, stand-alone public facility projects. Our community investment project
is
economically sound and will provide benefit to much of the community's citizenry
if
it
is designed
and
constructed as a true all-season multi-use fadlity.
GHEMM Company was
fo
unded in Fairbanks
in
1952. Resourcefulness, a pioneering
spirit and expandi
ng
beyond tr
ad
itional thinking were the cornerstones the original
partners used
to
build a decades long successful general contracting firm.
In
the mid-
70's GHEMM partnered with
the
Fa
irbanks North Star Borough to convert a used
aircraft hangar into a community asset, known now as the Big Dipper Ice Arena, which
has been enjoyed by thousands of residents and visitors alike. The visionary
communi
ty
leaders at that time were committed to community assts and quality of life
and how those two thought processes meshed to move Fairbanks forward.
Expandi
ng
upon
an
in-place community asset allows
fo
r more efficient utilization of
financial resources when compared
to
construc
ti
on
of
a new, stand-alone facility.
Savings are realized
in
the areas of land procurement, utility infrastructure
development, site access/traffic construction as well as capitalizing
on
the resources
in
place
in
the existi
ng
structure. Expansi
on
of The Dipper facility has benefit of
Borough owned property, it has utility infrastructures in place both inside
the
building
and on the si
te
, it has landscaped areas
in
place, it has adjacent parking
and
it has
improvements within the
bu
ilding that are fully functional and bei
ng
used
by
the
community. These assets, in additi
on
to proximity
to
other services
and
users as
mentioned earlier, make expansi
on
of this building into a communi
ty
health and
wellness center
is
a worthy candidate for FNSB Capital Improvement Program
support.
386
1
SCH
A
CH
T
STREET
FAIRBANKS
ALAS
A
9970
1
907
,4
52
.
5191
F
907
.
45
1,
77
9 7 E !J
HEM
M O
HE
MM
.
COM
Continued
next
page
Q24-8
CIP Selection Committee -FNSB
October 8, 2019
IGHEM
MI
To that end, we at GHEMM Company support working together
to
spearhead capital
projects like four-season, multi-use buildings that speak
to
a broad range of wellness
groups and activities and sustain them through use. An addition
to
the current Big
Dipper facility designed for use by local non-profit and for-profit entities is a step
in
the
right direction. Located
in
the heart of Fairbanks, adjacent to healthcare, sporting and
mental health facilities, revitalizing The Dipper and expanding its reach is a right-sized
step in the right direction.
Sincerely,
GHEMM Company, Inc. GHEMM Company, Inc.
I
~
/
__
,I.
-
Mike Davis, P .E.
Vice President
3861
SCHACHT
STREET
F'AIRBANICS
ALAS
A
99701
90?
.
4!52
.
5191
F'
907
.
451.7797
£
OHll!:MM
13H£MM
.
COM
Q24-9
October 9, 2019
Fairbanks North Star Borough
Attn: Capital lmprovemen Program
PO
Box71267
Falrbanks
,·
AK
99707
RE:
Big Dipper Partnership, Community Health and Wellness Center
Dear
FNSB
CIP
Selection Committee:
I support the concept
of
expanding the Big Dipper fac llty
to
include recreational space such
as
pools and
indoor
courts, and lease space
for
commercial tenants
as
part
of
a health and
wellness center.
Centrally located close
to
Lathrop High School,
Ryan
Middle School,
Raven
Landing, Noel Wien
Library, and Fairbanks Memorial Hospital,
the
Big
Dipper
is
an
excellent location
for
this multi-
use
facility. Adding
the
health and wellne s center
to
the
Big
Dipper would create
an
energy-
efficient facility and allow use
of
waste hea
from
the
existing ice rink
to
help heat
the
new
building area. Providing tenant space
for
activities
such
as
childcare, physical therapy and food
concessions
would
provide additional programs
to
support
the
health and weJlness
of
families,
and individuals
of
all
ages
.
I recommend this project be selected
for
CIP
concept funding
to
investigate its
merit
to
the
community and determine its financial feasibility.
Sincerely,
Scott Bell, P.E.
PO
Box81795
Fairbanks,
AK
99708
Q24-10
MICHAEL
K.
POWERS
Octob
r 2
19
L 3 iewp inte
Dr
. Fairban
AK
997 9
nuchaelktpower@
ail
.
com
I (9
7)
7 - 3
IP l ccioa Comrrutt
Fairbanks
orth
tar
Bor
ugh
Dear
election
omroitt
I wi h to entbusia cicall
endor
'
lb
P lari
roup'
call
or
xpaa • n
of
th
Bi
ipper
Ice
oa to embrac
am
r h
Ii
oc
a
ppr
acb to h
alth
and
wclln
for
ur
community
.
a 3 r
ident
o airbank with . perienc in h
alth,
,.
dln
cbampi n d the
ae
d for
uch
an
important
contributi n t and education, I
ha
nununi , health. 1 ag-
I bdiev
The
Polan
Group
s vi i n a year-
round
mulci-u capjtal
pt
jeer
cl
sign d to
accommodate
a
broad
ran
of
wcllnc
gr
up and
activs
tnt grated health and w
Un
pt
gram ,
c
mplemeot
the continually-cl vel ping health and wellne corridor
of
th
Lathrop
tr
t area.
Th
P lari
Group
concept
can l vcrag th natural
complement
f
th
v a rable
.Big
Dipper and
its adjac
nt
arhl tic
fi
ld
aod
-with
nhancemeo
-th faciliti ' ability
to
addr
s potential
u ers'
need
for team and individual accivitie .
lei
e citing
to
dunk
of
the porencial uch a plan offer airbanks.
Th
Polaris roup' plan could
advano a trul meaningful intcgraci n o
pb
, ical accivi ·
pr
grams ,vith
ph
sical
and
mental h
al.th
pportuniti
to
advaoc th o erall health
of
lll'.
communi
... within a n ·
hborhood
with natural
ri
to a h
of
heal h
and
wellne
profr
ionaJs
and
pr
gram
(in
cludin nutritionists, personal
trainer
and
mental health
pr
£ i nals).
l would ladl contribute financial! to such a aluabL community eodea
or
. Th.aok
ou
[i r
our
coo
iderati. o f thi ·citin project.
· cerel ,
Mik
Powen
·
Q24-11
October
8,
2019
TO
:
FROM
:
FNSB
Capital Improvement Program project nominee
Mayor
Bryce Ward
Fa
irbanks Alaska
Gary and
Sue
Wilken
2829 Chief William Driven #6
Fairbanks
AK
99709
Gw: (907) 378-0707
Sw
: a sus1e@me.co0}
(907) 388-3422
Dear
Mayor
Ward,
Please add
our
voi
ces
in support
of
the
efforts
of
a strong and visionary cadre
of
community
leaders in
their
efforts
to
build and maintain a
mult
i-functional sport/wellness facility
in our borough. They are building on the foundation
of
successes
of
other
communities,
particularly
the
Mat
-
Su
Borough,
as
they
envision a multi-purpose facili
ty
beyond the likes
of
the
Menard Center in Wasilla by adding a dimension
of
a public-private partnership
to
attract
and
extract operating and maintenance revenues.
We applaud
your
efforts
to
bring structure
to
the
future capital needs program
of
our
community
. Your outreach
to
the public
to
foster ideas
is
noble and fully recognizes
our
borough's ri
ghtful
place
as
it assumes
the
mantle
of
being the
pr
imary supporter and the
unquestionable leader in
the
effort
to
so
li
cit
proposals thus beginning the arduous
effort
to
categorize, rank, and
ult
imately seek fundi
ng
for
those legitimate proposals seeking
prior
i
ty
funding
from
li
mited
resources.
These
efforts
, which take the boldest step
to
illustrate the
matur
i
ty
of
our
borough si
nce
the
Carlson Center was proposed, planned, and funded in the years leading up
to
1986, deserve
your full support. We encourage you
to
begin
to
take
the
initial steps
to
make
their
vision the
fuel
that
propels this extraordinary
effort
.
Continued
next
page
Q24
-1
2
Respectfully we suggest
that
you, your administration, and our assembly not become
smothered by those
that
will immediately run
to
cover and blame the lack
of
funding
as
a reason
to
not "Think Big". We should fully embrace that, at the very least, there be ready a formal pl
an
wi
th
valid costs when the opportunity
ar
i
ses
to
access
funds made
ava
ilable from various
entit
i
es
,
the largest
of
whi
ch
will
be
the State
of
Alaska
cap
ital budget. Once the funds begin
to
appear
on the horizon is not the
time
to
begin
to
plan.
That planni
ng
must happen now and
th
is group
has
the visi
on
and the talent
to
move
ahead.
Sue
and I strongly endorse their efforts.
We thank you for the opportunity
to
provide input and we look forward
to
assisting you
and your administration
as
together we begin
to
walk down the path
to
success
.
Respectfully submi
tted
,
Gs
i
l:
""'---L,
..,,,,
~~
October 8, 2019
Q24-13
NANOOK
RECREATION
Fairbanks
57
ctob r 9, 2019
To Whom It
Ma
C nc m,
s
am
mb
r
of
th,
ai
rbanks community a father
with
two kids a
AF
mployee and
not least imp rtant, a r creation nthusiast. l support th proposal to add ignificant r creation
opportunitie to the
Big
Dipper
le
Arena.
Then
d for
an
sh
et
n aquatics faciliti
sand
an indo r
turf
field ar
alJ
priority in Fairbanks.
Th
model pre nted
is
smart in
both
energy design as well as busine s
plan.
Th
e
tra
I ase
pa
is ideal for
de
eloping a
round
d fiscal portfolio.
an
of
the facilitie
in
thi genre around Fairbank are very tir
d.
Th ar old
and
antiquated construction. Tb don t s e the needs
of
today s population.
Th
won't
last th
n t l O years. dditionall the are an embarrassment when compared
to
other cornmuniti . A
n w. m d m, a e ibl faci.lit ould re ult in bappi r farnilie and yield stronger communitie .
Other towns
wh
ha
built imilar facilitie have seen tremendous
ec
nomic growth it make
Living
in
th
e communitie more attracti e.
We
want
th
new
F-35
fa.mili to LOV airbanks
not
just
tolerate a deplo ment.
With the construction
of
omethin that will drastically change the recreati n
Land
cap
of
Fairbank
the
rippl impacts should
be
con idered
as
w
11
in
order t I erage th be t and
more ustainabl re ult. an ur town trul upport
an
additional. i rink
and
large aquatic
center? Or should
we
trate ically build a
ne
ic while closing otb r inks
in
fa
or
of
differ nt
op
portunities. For ample, perhap build a
rink
with the purpos
of
ha ing anook
th
anchor tenant and clo e the Patty Ice in
fa
or
of
th
turf
fi
ld.
Tum
th arl n Center into a
true Community Re enter. Thi would allo
tb.e
ne turf
con
tru tion to
be
put
on
hold until
demand for two
turf
field i demonstrated.
This proposal has m
full
upport as the Director
of
ano k Recreation at
th
Uni
er ity
f Alaska Fairbanks.
Thi
will
er
ea
critical need in
our
community help I gro with
th
n
xt
gen ration.
in
er
l ,
~
n:
~
Mark Oldmixon
Q24-14
October
7,
2019
Fairbanks North Star Borough
Attn: Mayor's Office
Capital Improvement Program
907 Terminal Street
Fairbanks,
Alaska
99701
Linda J Unsicker
4415
Condor Ct.
#106
Fairbanks, Alaska
99709
unsicker83@gmail.com
Re:
CIP,
an
all-inclusive recreation center.
Dear Mayor Ward,
RECEIVED
OCT
O 9
201§
MAYOR
'S
OFFICE
I know capital improvements require a tremendous effort from you and the borough assembly.
Thank you
so
much
for
all you do.
It
is
also much appreciated
that
you have opened this up
to
public
input in a manner beyond assembly meetings.
In
looking at the nomination form, I do
not
have the background experience to present a proposal
that
answers any
of
the suggested questions. However, in simple form,
as
a citizen
of
FNSB,
I would li
ke
to
submit a capital improvement nomination
for
a recreation center with multiple
uses.
My
thoughts
are:
1)
Though outdoor
winter
sports are great in Fairbanks, they aren't
for
everyone. Centralized
indoor opportunities would open up more activities year round.
2)
One
of
my main concerns
is
Mary Si
ah
.
Even
with next year's repairs,
it
is
still
an
old facility and
will need
to
be
replaced in the near future. It
is
a unique facility in
that
it
serves
our
special
needs and senior citizens with a somewhat warmer pool. This should definitely
be
a part
of
a
recreation center.
3)
A recreation center with multiple
uses
would bring people together increasing a
sense
of
community. I realize
our
economy drives what we
can
have, but initial thoughts
for
a dream
facility would
be
two
different pools, tennis courts, racquet ball courts, a running track, multi-
use
rooms, and a gym area.
These
are basic thoughts
for
the
sake
of
nominating a multi-
use
recreation center
for
the Fairbanks
North Star Borough.
Thank you
for
your time and consideration .
Sincere
I'(
,
aJ. Unsick
~'
..
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Assessment Survey | 33
5.0 Results of Community Needs Assessment Survey
The next section discusses the results of the Community Needs Assessment Survey. The
purpose of the survey was to gather community feedback on the Fairbanks North Star
Borough’s priorities for the New Community Recreation Center as well as communication and
financial choices. This survey research effort and subsequent analysis were designed to assist
the Fairbanks North Star Borough in developing a plan to reflect the community’s needs and
desires. Both a statistically valid (invitation survey) mailed postcard and open link online survey
were used to collect community input, and 2,432 total surveys were completed.
Figure 15: Community Needs Assessment Methodology
Most survey respondents reside in the City of Fairbanks, West Fairbanks, and North Fairbanks.
Results are similar across sample types. Invite refers to responses from those receiving a post
card and these results are statistically valid, open link refers to those respondents going online
that did not receive a post card and these results are not statistically valid, overall refers to the
results of both the invitation and open link surveys being combined.
Key findings from the survey include:
• Room to increase satisfaction with the Borough’s parks and recreation services
• Strong support from the community regarding the New Community Recreation Center
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Market Analysis |
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eds
Assessment Survey | 34
• The most important activities to be included at the North Star Community Recreation
Center include:
o Recreational/leisure/open swim
o Walking/running
o Indoor play for children
Figure 16: Key Findings From the Needs Assessment Survey (1 of 2)
• Opportunity for the Borough to improve communication to the community
• Invite respondents are all willing to allocate more than $10 out of $100 on average to the
following:
o Competitive/lap swimming pool
o Walking/running track
o Indoor turf/synthetic field
o Warm water aquatic exercise/lesson pool, and leisure pool
• Open link respondents are willing to spend more on pickleball, indoor turf/synthetic field,
and an ice rink than invitation respondents
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• Respondents prefer potential funding sources to come from sponsorships/naming rights
and private/public partnerships rather than taxes
Figure 17: Key Findings From the Needs Assessment Survey (2 of 2)
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Figure 18: Location of Residency in Fairbanks North Star Borough
The average household size ranged from 2.7 to 3.4 people, and 48% of respondents have 4 or
more people in the household.
Figure 19: Number of People in Household
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There is strong support from the community regarding the New Community Recreation Center.
Figure 20: Importance of New Community Recreation Center
There is agreement from the community regarding the important activities to be included in the
New Community Recreation Center:
• Recreation/leisure/open swim
• Walking/running
• Cardio/workout/weightlifting as identified also in the focus groups
• Indoor play for children
• Senior programs
• Swim lessons
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Figure 21: Important Activities for the North Star Community Recreation Center Slide 1 of 2
Figure 22: Important Activities for the North Star Community Recreation Center Slide 2 of 2
The actual details of the “Other” comments are included in the appendices.
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Figure 23: Top Three Most Important Activities
Regarding Community Recreation Center activities and priorities, amenities and facilities in the
wellness and seniors category are the most important to members of the invitation sample.
However, athletics, sports, and fitness amenities follow closely by a small margin. Business
facilities and amenities were the lowest rated in terms of importance
Figure 24: Important Amenities Overall
Top 3 Most Important Activities
The top three activities for the Invite sample are walking/running, recreational/leisure/open swim and
cardio/workout/weightlifting. The Open Link sample is more interested in indoor play for children, hockey/ice
skating, soccer/lacrosse/football and basketball/volleyball.
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Figure 25: Important Amenities Aquatics
Figure 26: Important Amenities Athletics/Sports/Fitness
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Figure 27: Important Amenities Education, Arts, and Culture
Figure 28: Important Amenities Wellness and Seniors
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Figure 29: Important Amenities Youth
Figure 30: Top Three Most Important Spaces/Amenities Slide 1 of 2
Top 3 Most Important Spaces/Amenities
Slide 1 of 2
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Figure 31: Specific Amenities of Importance Open-Ended Comments
When asked how they would allocate $100, respondents differed by sample; invite respondents
are most interested in spending on a competitive/lap swimming pool and walking/running track,
while open link respondents are most interested in an indoor turf/synthetic field. An average of
$16.08 for the invite sample and $15.45 for the open link sample were allocated to a fill-in option
of “other.” Some of these top suggestions include:
• Climbing wall
• Sauna
• Skate park
• Steam room
Specific Amenities of Importance
Open-Ended Comments
Below is a Word Cloud of the top 100 most used words. A full list of responses is included in the appendix. Some popular
amenities include:
•Roller skating
•Climbing wall
•Indoor kids play area
•Swim classes
•Basketball
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Figure 32: Allocation of $100 Slide 1 of 2
Figure 33: Allocation of $100 Slide 2 of 2
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Figure 34: Allocation of Funds "Other" Suggestions
Respondents prefer potential funding sources to come from sponsorships/naming rights and
private/public partnerships rather than taxes.
Figure 35: Types of Funding Support
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Respondents provided an additional 549 comments/suggestions. The following graphic is a
high-level summary.
Figure 36: Additional Comments/Suggestions
